About the Buddy Scheme
The Buddy Scheme has been created with the intention of providing candidates from backgrounds currently underrepresented in our workforce with the option of engaging with somebody already working within HMPPS Wales, who is able to provide advice and guidance throughout the application process.
Civil Service application processes are unique and may feel daunting, especially for people experiencing them for the first time, or if you do not have access to guidance from a friend or family member. The Buddy Scheme helps to create a fairer and more accessible application process for everyone.
All the Recruitment Buddies available are existing staff members from several different departments across HMPPS.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in utilising the Buddy Scheme during any point of your application journey, you can let us know by contacting either:
We will then work to match you up with someone from our list of Buddies. While we aim to select a Buddy with a role or experience relevant to your area of interest, this may not always be possible. However, all our Buddies have received training on our recruitment processes.
Making the Most of Your Buddy
To make best use of the expertise provided by the Buddies, please look thoroughly through the list of available HMPPS Wales vacancies sent out weekly and let us know which role(s) you are specifically interested in applying for. This will help us to match you with the most appropriate Buddy. It is also helpful to send over an up-to-date CV wherever possible, so we can better understand your background and experience.
Once you have been allocated a Buddy and made contact, you are free to arrange meetings at times that suit you both. These meetings can take place in person, over the phone, or virtually. There is no minimum or maximum number of meetings, and the availability of Buddies may vary depending on workloads, but every effort will be made to link you up quickly.
What Buddies Can Help With
Buddies are available to offer advice and support on various aspects of the application process, including:
Application forms
Interview techniques
Fitness tests (where relevant)
Behaviours, the STAR method
Government checks and disclosure of information
Buddies can provide feedback on draft application forms and conduct mock interviews to help you prepare for the real thing.
What Buddies Cannot Do
Buddies are not permitted to provide "insider" information, such as who will be sitting on specific interview panels. They cannot write application forms for candidates, tell them what to write, or give access to previously successful application forms as references.
Buddies will signpost candidates to publicly available information and encourage independent research. The Civil Service, including HMPPS Wales, appoints candidates based solely on merit, so it remains your responsibility to prepare properly for any part of the recruitment process.
Important Notes
All Buddies are volunteers supporting candidates in addition to their day jobs.
Please refrain from contacting Buddies during out-of-hours (before 9 AM and after 5 PM) or on weekends unless specifically advised.
Buddies are not available to provide advice about roles outside of HMPPS Wales or help with writing CVs for general use.
Get In Touch
We hope that the Buddy Scheme will be a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to access it. If you believe you would benefit from the scheme or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.